Labelled the “The Gemini Residence”, this handsomely handcrafted project was aptly named for the fact that its newlywed owners share the same Zodiac sign. Geminis are symbolised by the twins, representing the air sign’s adaptability and duality. Those born in the third sign of the astrological year are naturally versatile and very open-minded toward wanting to take in the world from all points of view.
That said, the home is both functionally and aesthetically expressed through the couple’s versatility and mutual appreciation for the concept of duality. A disciple of astrology himself and a firm believer in the transformative powers of beauty, JJ Acuña, creative director of interiors and concept architecture practice, JJ Acuña / Bespoke Studio, relished delving into this narrative, tailoring the overarching themes and details to the homeowners’ synchronised mutable modality.
While the couple’s tastes and preferences vastly differ from Acuña’s, ironically, it was his studio’s earlier works that caught their attention and hooked them in the first place. “We discovered JJ’s work via social media,” she recalls. “We noticed that two of his projects were the Tate Dining Room, which we’ve enjoyed dates at, and Elephant Grounds, one of our favourite coffee spots. Both showcased his versatility and piqued our interest.”
Fast forward to their masterfully executed forever home, the overall look and spatial flow feels elegantly refined and clean—yet simultaneously bold. During preliminary discussions, however, the couple felt like they were grasping at straws. “It was difficult to communicate our vision because we couldn’t find any visual references to illustrate exactly what we wanted. The more Western feel that we were after at the time, we felt was quite uncommon in Hong Kong; we also had no knowledge of how to convey it,” began the lady of the house. “In the end, JJ was able to distil our vague ramblings into a foundation based on the design language of Upper East Side New York apartments, with us requesting to relax things a little to suit our Australian and Hong Kong backgrounds better. Looking back, I would describe what we wanted as cosy and inviting, but elevated with touches of luxury and a tonal palette.”
Designed and constructed during Covid, the young couple moved into their 2,328 square-foot hillside apartment early 2023, with their 13-year-old schnauzer in tow. Located in Hong Kong’s Western District in the Mid-Levels (chosen in accordance to a feng shui master’s recommendation for a place with mountain views to the south and water views to the north), the apartment boasts killer views of all of Victoria Harbour and of Kowloon. Even historic buildings—Hong Kong University and an art deco-style University Lodge—are perched down below, right outside the window.
The move to a permanent address was definitely premeditated, as not long after the renovation, they conceived their first child and just welcomed their newborn home last January. Considering they were looking for a long-term home with a view to start a family, this directly translated to a bigger space requirement. Plus, as the wife, rationalises, “We’d been renting for over a decade since the Mr moved back to Hong Kong and we were tired of constantly moving and wanted a space that belonged to us that we could truly make our own.”
While they were open to being creative and flexible with the floor plan, the layout and colour schemes were subject to consultation and approval from a feng shui master. Both being heavily into Chinese geomancy, which dictates the addition and deletion of certain colours and materials in different places depending on the year, Acuña pandered to their desired clean look. “A clean home colour-wise gives them the most flexibility when it comes to annual feng shui solutions,” he explains.
On the flip side of this, and to further accentuate the concept of duality, Acuña added varied finishes. He also played with his signature fluted surfaces and tactile fabric as well as subtle patterns to add dimension and visual interest.
"My clients are interested in very clean lines and aesthetics with very little colour, so we were looking at spaces that celebrated black, white and greys. Our studio is naturally drawn to colour and pattern, which proved to be a challenge. So instead, we focused on detailing and millwork,” recalls Acuña, adding, “We also showed them black-and-white photographs of Manhattan in the early 20th century, which they appreciated, so we started our design journey there."
The couple’s family expansion plan at the time called for four separate rooms (the home has two bedrooms, plus one bedroom converted into an office, as well as the helper’s quarters). To espouse peace in the household, two full baths and one powder room was a boon. There were a few non-negotiables, too, despite that prescribed Gemini versatility. For starters, ceiling height retention was a must, along with inviting in as much natural light as possible, and wooden floor boards (the latter more so for the man of the house). Husband and wife also agreed on a “reclaimed look” in the living room and as far as the details were concerned, both gravitated towards an absence of bold patterns and colours.
Another twin demand was an island in the living room and a bespoke wet bar, where the man of the house proudly displays his collection of vintage whiskies, maotais and sakes. She explains, “We’ve spent our thirties enjoying cocktails and wine at bars, particularly speakeasy-inspired places. We wanted to have a bar to allow us to have a nice drink at home or to be able to entertain friends in at night with some of that speakeasy ambience while still being a comfortable and functional family home during the daytime.”
With each room laying claim to its own character, mood and distinct colour scheme, the three have their personal favourites. For the detail-oriented designer, it’s the living room. “I love the custom fireplace and mantle all in solid-cut marble formwork. The fireplace keeps people warm in the winter and allows a traditional point of congregation for the homeowners and their families and friends. I’ve had feedback from the homeowner that their friends’ children never want to leave the couch when the fireplace is on. I get why!”
For the lady of the house, it’s a tough call: “I love all the rooms! But if I had to go with one I’d say the kitchen. I’ve always loved the more rustic farmhouse style for interiors. In our kitchen you’ll see a little bit of that influence. I especially love our white dual farmhouse sink from Blanco, which is a rare feature in Hong Kong.”
As if his beloved assemblage of collectible libations wasn’t enough of a giveaway, the nook of choice for the master of the house is certainly the bar and living room. “I enjoy hanging out here more than I’ve ever done at previous places I’ve lived. I have a particular eye for symmetry and it took quite a few revisions to get the bar and wall partition for the wine fridge design just right for me. Plus, the view to the bedrooms through the French doors makes the end of a nice evening feel more like an inviting continuation of the night rather than an abrupt end.”
